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Norwich: Teenage Filmmaker Sparks Manhunt

A teenager filming a college project sparked a major manhunt in Norwich last night.

It's after two people reported seeing a man with a sword on Mousehold Heath.

An initial report came in at about 5.50pm of a male carrying the weapon in the Mousehold Heath area of Norwich. A second report with a similar description followed shortly after.

Armed officers, the dog unit and the police helicopter were deployed.

However, a member of the public later phoned into the Control Room after she realised it was her son's filming activity for a college project that had triggered the police response.

Once this had been confirmed by police and that the 'weapon' described was a toy machette the officers were stood down.

Supt. Stuart Gunn said "Strong words of advice were given by police to the 18 year old male with regards to the alarm that had been caused.

"We would kindly ask members of the public if they are planning any sort of activity or filming in a public place that may prompt concern amongst the public and, consequently, trigger any police activity, to call us in advance so that we can give suitable advice.

"If the police receive reports of what is believed to be a weapon, openly displayed in public places or used in an inappropriate manner then we need to react promptly to the information that we are given at the time. Public safety will always be our priority when dealing with such incidents. Imitation weapons should not be used, or left, in public view."